217 Today: Writer Hua Hsu shares his perspective on Asian-American history

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  • Photo: Nidhi Shastri

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Today’s headlines:

  • Cleanup is underway in central Illinois after possible tornadoes passed through the region yesterday afternoon.
  • An auction today of nearly 150 precious Lincoln artifacts is drawing bitter criticism from the relics’ former owner.
  • Illinois lawmakers have passed a plan aimed at reforming a state board that handles parole release decisions.
  • The non-profit Heartstrong Grocery will receive a $2.4 million state grant to create a new food store in northwest Urbana.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll listen to a conversation with writer and journalist Hua Hsu about how he understands Asian American history.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Mosqueda. Reporting today contributed by Mae Antar, Reginald Hardwick, Dave McKinney, Mawa Iqbal and Nidhi Shastri.

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Stephanie Mosqueda

Stephanie Mosqueda is a senior majoring in journalism at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with minors in Spanish and public relations. She is the 217 Today producer and a reporter for the Illinois Student Newsroom.